Republican Congressman Thomas Massie Introduces Impeachment Resolution Against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has introduced an impeachment resolution against US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of abuse of power and disregard for civilian lives. Massie alleges that Hegseth engaged in warfare without Congress’s authorization, committed extrajudicial killings, and neglected civilian casualties during military operations. Although the resolution has slim chances of passing, it initiates a formal voting process in Congress and the Pentagon has expressed full support for Hegseth. (Sept 17, Kathmandu)

A fierce critic of the ongoing US war on Iran during the Trump administration, Republican lawmaker Thomas Massie submitted the impeachment proposal against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in the US House of Representatives. While the passage of this resolution is unlikely, it officially triggers a congressional vote. On Tuesday, Massie formally read the impeachment charges on the House floor, accusing Hegseth of waging war without congressional consent, participating in unlawful killings, and disregarding extreme civilian harm caused by military operations.

Accusing Hegseth of abusing power and neglecting civilian welfare, Massie stated, “Secretary Hegseth has subordinated the constitutional limits on the use of military force and the laws of war to his own policy objectives, thereby abusing the power entrusted to him.” He further criticized Hegseth for showing severe disregard for the impact of US military actions on innocent civilians. Hegseth’s controversial remarks concerning the rules formulated to reduce civilian casualties amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran have also drawn criticism.

Despite full backing from the Pentagon, the resolution faces little chance of approval in the Republican-majority House. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson, in an email to Reuters, affirmed, “There is unity behind the Secretary of Defense’s perspective across the entire department and we remain committed to putting our troops and America first.” While there is some dissent within the Republican Party, many Republicans continue to support the contentious war against Iran. However, hardline voices like Massie and media personality Tucker Carlson have emerged as outspoken critics of the Trump administration’s interventionist foreign policy.